It may be a long time before we are finally rid of the coronavirus. Experts predict up to two years of intermittent lockdowns and a certain cadre of industries will be especially hit. As countries closed their borders and banned flights from affected regions, the airline industry felt most of the brunt.
The sector is facing a crisis unlike any it has ever seen before, and it is looking at massive losses. Demand for air travel has essentially fallen to zero, and it will remain so until people are trusting enough to get on an airplane. While it may take a while for the airline industry to regain its former glory, it will come back.
The rate at which flights resume will depend on health officials, as it is mostly a health issue. However, the travel management experts at CrewFacilities.com say it will be a lot different from what you’re used to. So what can business travelers expect next time they head to the airport? CrewFacilities.com explains;
Much longer queues will be the norm. Assuming that the already existing security measures stay in place, the additional health-related measures will result in longer wait times. Countries like South Korea that had a superb response to the pandemic are already ordering people from the U.S. and Europe to self-isolate for two weeks, even if they tested negative. Those without a permanent residence are sent to an isolation ward. While other countries may nor adopt these exact measures, we can assume they will be as stringent.
Airports will be more choosy about who they let in. An infected person or two at a busy airport could very well lead to another wave of infections, and airports won’t risk it. In the future, you may have to present a certificate of immunity stating you’ve recovered from the virus or have been vaccinated before being granted entry. Travel may be defined by purpose, whereby any business travel will have to be strictly validated as an economic activity. This may require additional documentation and temporary visas.
Travel insurance is going to become more popular, especially for travelers headed to problematic regions. However, as most insurance packages don’t cover ‘pandemics’ airline providers or insurance companies may have to adapt to the new reality.
Traveling while you’re unwell may become a thing of the past. For starters, people whose immunities have been compromised are more likely to develop serious symptoms. You probably wouldn’t be able to travel with a cold, a cough, or a sneeze anyway, given the current climate.
According to CrewFacilities.com, trust will play an integral part in the resurgence of business travel. Traveling staff have to trust that the airports and airplanes are safe and that their travel manager has their back at all times. For travel management services that you can trust, contact CrewFacilities.com today and let us talk about how our services can address your needs.
Andrea Tsakanikas - CrewFacilities.com 